Chief Sellers takes reins

The incoming police chief shares stories of his past and discusses his plans for Laguna department.At 6 feet 4, Michael Sellers, the new chief of police for Laguna Beach, presents an imposing figure, but that impression is quickly offset by his friendly disposition.

The Coastline Pilot’s Dan Beighley sat down with Chief Sellers on Tuesday to talk about his new job.

CP: What is your background?

A: My grandparents, parents and uncle all lived in Laguna Beach. I grew up here as a kid until my dad was transferred, but I have lived the majority of my life in Orange County.

I remember as a kid my grandmother getting upset with me for riding my bike down Third Street and telling me to go into the police department to talk to them about it. The police were very nice, and it made an impression on me.

I can’t think of a better way to end my career than working for the department that took care of my family.

Q: How did you get into law enforcement?

A: I originally worked as a youth counselor for the City of Irvine. There was a situation there where 144 students were arrested for drugs at the local high school. The city wanted to take action, and I was recruited into a program that helped deal with youth at risk. I loved the work and decided to try out law enforcement. I put myself through the police academy.

I started as a patrol officer in La Palma and worked up the ranks to captain. Then I worked as a captain in Los Alamitos for awhile before becoming chief in Seal Beach for eight years.

Q: What will be your biggest challenge in Laguna Beach vs. Seal Beach?

A: Laguna Beach has a much higher volume of tourism. Both are beach destinations, and both place a high value on family. Seal Beach is more of a military town, where Laguna Beach has arts and tourism.

Laguna Beach places a very high value on the quality of life and public safety. Seal Beach had some fiscal problems. I like the fact that Laguna has its own fire department -- before I was working with contractors. I think there is a lot more opportunity for me to do more in the community here.

Q: Are there any major deficiencies in the Laguna Beach Police Department that you plan to address?

A: In the next 90 days, I will be meeting with all the employees. From there we will be able to evaluate where we are. If we need changes, we’ll figure what we need to do. What I offer is a fresh perspective.

Q: What are you priorities as a police officer?

A: The protection of the community and safeguarding families businesses and visitors who come to Laguna Beach to enjoy what it offers.

In my prior position with the City ofSeal Beach we dealt with crime impacts such as bank robberies because of our close proximity to Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles Area. Laguna Beach, like other Orange County communities, is not crime free but we do have our own unique types of crimes.

This town has a high number of visitors with a large hotel industry. Our policing strategy not only includes focusing on crimes against the public, including DUI arrests, but also burglaries, theft, and aggravated assaults. Last year, Laguna Beach Police made more DUI arrests than some communities of a similar size made total arrests. This strategy by the police officers is what keeps Laguna Beach a safer community.

Q: Do you live in Laguna Beach, or do you plan to move here?

A. I live in San Clemente. I’d love to move back here. It makes it a lot easier to be accessible by the community -- 100% immersion.

Q: Your wife is a police department employee. Do you see this as a problem, and how will you handle it?

A: My wife is very supportive of me coming here. She convinced me to do it even though she could lose her job because of it. We can’t work in the same department, so for the next 15 months she’ll be working on a project for the assistant city manager. But it’s not a permanent fix. It’s through her support that I’m here, she has really sacrificed for me.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I enjoy traveling, whether it be a cruise or somewhere in California. I like fishing in the East Sierras. I also teach graduate courses in public safety and emergency management. I’m a big Trojan [University of Southern California] fan. We’ve got a great team this year. 20051028iozt9xknDON LEACH / COASTINE PILOT(LA)Police Chief Michael Sellers grew up in Laguna Beach and most recently served as chief of police in Seal Beach.